The season is over for the Dallas Cowboys, but there are still things of interest going on. A lot of it is just rehashing what we know, but here are a few items that you might want to check out.
Some injury stuff to start off with.
Cowboys starting right guard Kyle Kosier won't need surgery to repair a torn left MCL, just rest to repair the injury.
Cowboys medical officials are thinking starting cornerback Mike Jenkins will need surgery on his shoulder separated several times during the season. He re-injured the shoulder against the Giants.
Kyle may not be back even if his MCL heals all right, although the team may want to see how he does before they make a decision. But his performance late in the year was not terribly inspiring. Mike Jenkins played hard when he could stay on the field but the shoulder was a problem for him almost the entire year.
Also injury related is speculation about Mat McBriar.
To be sure, McBriar knows that one's contract year isn't the best time to suffer such a nagging, and kind of strange, injury--and that such an injury could turn a long-term offer from Dallas into a short one.
This is another player I wish could come back - but given that Chris Jones seemed to do pretty well, there are questions. A shame, really, because prior to last season, he was an effective and somewhat stealthy weapon for the Cowboys.
Some more gleanings post-jump.
I found one handy little piece you might want to bookmark for reference. It breaks down where the current Cowboys all came from, broken down into the year they were acquired and whether they came through the draft, free agency, or otherwise. It can save some time having to go hunt for information the next time you want to fire off a scathing remark about how pitiful the Cowboys have been at drafting. You know, to, like, make sure you aren't talking out of your butt? Anyway, I was a little stunned to realize that more Cowboys came from free agency (31) than through the draft (29). Maybe that is typical for NFL teams, but it was just something I had never really thought about, and I would have expected something different. No reason, just didn't expect that.
It isn't all that pertinent right now, but I did notice that Sam Hurd has been indicted for his attempt at starting a drug empire. This story just continues to boggle my mind.
The complaint said Hurd was arrested outside a Chicago steakhouse after allegedly telling an undercover agent that he was interested in buying five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week to distribute in the Chicago area.
We talk about RKGs and WKGs. How about just plain SOBs?
Jerry Jones is expecting Rob Ryan to be around for next season. Which really isn't that big a news flash, I guess.
. . . we'd imagine his stock has dropped somewhat since, say, the beginning of the year when his acquisition was front page news.
I would say so.
Speaking of Jerry, there is yet another piece about how he sucks as GM. Some of you will read this with glee because it fits all the things you have already concluded about him. Others may not want to go here because you are tired of the whole meme - but I would take a quick read through it, just for a laugh or two from lines like these.
There have been six coaches since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined Texas wasn't big enough to hold the egos of both Jones and Jimmy Johnson.
The clinical term is megalomania. It originates from the Greek word "mega" meaning big. And "lomania," meaning the football IQ of a bowl of lo mein.
Now that's some funny stuff.
Finally, there is a very insightful piece from the mothership about how the team wasted Tony Romo's best season to date. After talking about the won-lost record, it goes on to concisely make a point many of you have brought up.
Combine all the other measures of success for the position, though, and it was one of the greatest seasons by a quarterback in Cowboys history. Romo threw for 4,184 yards, tossing 31 touchdowns against 10 interceptions while completing over 66 percent of his passes. His passer rating of 102.5 was fourth best in the league, behind only Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady.
There are two ways to look at it, I suppose. One is to feel bad about what happened and what could have been. Or you can look at the fact that Tony is at his peak as a quarterback right now, and should have several good seasons left in him. Seasons to make a run at that big prize all NFL players want.
The article goes on to have one of the better quotes from Jerry Jones this week (it is even easy to understand for those not fluent in Jerryspeak - well, if you cut it off where I did).
"One of the biggest disappointments that I've had in football, period, is to have a quarterback of that skill level, and not have him competing in the playoffs," owner Jerry Jones said after Sunday's loss at New York.
There is also one other thing that I saw in the article I wanted to highlight. Jason Garrett was talking about the problems the offensive line had protecting Tony (he got sacked 36 times).
While head coach and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett made sure to point out the challenge of such turnover on the offensive line, he also signaled on Monday that the front five wasn't set in stone moving forward.
"They did some good things," Garrett said. "They did grow throughout the season. But we want to get better in that area as well."
It's a process, after all.
0 recs | 71 comments
feels like we're on
The bottom half of a downhill slope, regarding Romo Witten and Ware.
oneinsider - January 4, 2012 via mobile
It is a worry.
I’d say Witten is most likely, Ware maybe, Tony, hopefully not yet.
Tom Ryle - January 4, 2012
I worry more about Witten...
being a more of a skill player. Once he loses a step it will be noticeable. I think Ware maybe able to get away with technique similar to Greg Ellis during his last seasons in Dallas.
MdFan24 - January 5, 2012
I think itis beginning to show with Witten already.
Ever so slight ,the decline has begun. He seems to run sideways a little more. However he is one of those guys who can get by on smarts for 3 more years. Still need to have someone in the wings not named Bennett.
football mensa - January 5, 2012
Hard to argue with 75+ catches and 900+ yards recieving
but I also noticed it a little bit this year. Only slightly, but (and i cant belive im going to say this) mensa is right, I did notice him trying to run around guys instead of through guys. Case in point was sunday night when he came up a yard short on the play before Romo did the sneak. I remember thinking, “what the hell Witten?” He could be dealing with an injury that we don’t even know about.
But he is a warrior.I would also like to see them get someone in the wings to learn from him.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 5, 2012
I've noticed the same on several occasions
I don’t think its so much a question of desire, but I definitely think he has avoiding injury at the top of his mind instead of in the back of his mind. There is a certain hesitancy apparent on many of his plays as opposed to the Marion Barber style of smashmouth football that Witten could easily play against the smaller corners and safeties that are usually trying to make the tackle.
Silverblue - January 5, 2012
It burns, it burns
Pretty sure this is the first time I completely agree with mensa. We’ll have a couple more years of Witten being elite until his mind simply can’t make up for the body’s decline.
dteowner - January 5, 2012
As much as I love JWitt,
he never had a step to lose. He’s smart and physical which makes up for the lack of speed. He’ll have a few good years left in him but I agree he’s probably going to decline the fastest of these three.
CDMac24 - January 5, 2012
Romo
maybe not with QB who start late it’s hard to tell, this latest season was his best after all. Ware and Witten I fear have started to lose a little.
liquidblake - January 4, 2012
Lets not forget Ware was pretty dinged up
Hopefully the offseason will allow that neck stinger to fully heal.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 5, 2012
I understand your comment
and realize that all of these guys are approaching their 30’s+, but I can’t help but be excited about the possibility of drafting some really good, young talent in this year’s draft and coupling that with some of the guys we have on the PS like Orie Lemon. The BIG THREE have at least 2 more good years in them, and I want to believe that we can put some players around them to make one more run to the BIG GAME!
Frammis - January 4, 2012
I'm not too worried though I definitely understand where you are coming from
D-Ware and J-Witt are still in their 20’s. Yes they will no longer be when next season rolls around but they are both still 29. Correct me if I’m wrong, but there isn’t a history of pass-rushers and TE’s dropping off suddenly after they hit 30 (Michael Strahan, James Harrison, Tony Gonzalez).. J-Witt was still great this year even though it didn’t seem like I saw him a lot. Look at his stats though and they are right around his career averages. Take all these things into account, Cowboys for once actually had a run game for a while which took away from the pass. Cowboys also had emergence of Laurent and Dez was a major contributer and we still got Miles. Tony, well he’s Tony. I don’t worry about him, though it couldn’t hurt to be on the lookout for the next franchise QB to let sit and develop.
Nets2410 - January 4, 2012
I'd say we have five seasons with Romo, give or take a season
But you can’t keep wasting these seasons from him. He’s more than good enough to win playoff games, Super Bowls, etc. Quarterbacks get old in a hurry and I can already see when I watch clips from a few seasons ago how he doesn’t move like he used to. No one will really remember how well he played next year and he’ll get blamed for everything, just like he always does.
I loved Rob Ryan coming in, but he was a HUGE letdown. D was awful every time it counted. Secondary is a joke. I don’t know how it’s that bad when you have Ware, Ratliff and Lee (players other teams would kill for) playing on the defense, but it really is.
The Fall Guy - January 4, 2012
If we inject more talent into the OL
Romo could easily play at a high level well into his 30s
Terry - January 5, 2012
I see five as the high end
And think he has at least three more, barring the “i” word.
Tom Ryle - January 5, 2012
incontinence?
I honestly don’t want to know how you get your information.
StarCity - January 5, 2012
It involves extensive surveillance, computer driven language analysis, and goat entrails.
Tom Ryle - January 5, 2012
Few thoughts of my own on the off-season....
Sign Cortland Finnegan CB and Carl Nicks. Is that possible? Finnegan is a top 10 CB in this league, that is why I want him. Also, just as a bonus I saw a piece about him on NFL Films today on ESPN 2 and it totally changed my perception on him as a person (in a good way). Finnegan and Jenkins if you ask me is a very good CB duo and Nicks is one of the best OG’s in the NFL and he’s only 26. Saints gave Jahri Evans a huge deal last year and might not be able to afford Nicks (but we all now Jerry can). And obviously Free and Tron should be switched (still think Free can be good RT even though he was pretty bad at LT this year). Assuming this happen, starting CB’s are taken care of as well as 3/4 of starting O-Line. Sensabaugh is obviously here to stay but I like him he did well this season. Only pressing needs after this are the 1/4 of the O-Line, G, which can hopefully be addressed in the draft (DeCastro sounds great), OLB (Upshaw from Alabama or Vinny from Marshall? I like Spencer but you guys say he sucks so I guess so. Hasn’t lived up to the hype as a pass rusher but that is what we need him to be good at), and safety (Elam sucked right?). O ya, hire an OC, I think that would go a LONG way in helping this offense realize it’s true potential.
What do you guys think, can all this possibly happen?
Nets2410 - January 4, 2012
also draft a Center
preferably David Molk from Michigan. Should be a mid round pick (3/4th round earliest?). All-American and won the Rimmington trophy for best college Center. Imagine an offensive line from left to right of Tron, Carl Nicks, Molk, DeCastro, Free? That would be sick!
Nets2410 - January 5, 2012
Draft v. Free Agents
This is a little misleading as they consider UDFAs Free Agents instead of Drafted players or as a separate category.
Of the 31 acquired in free agency, 15 were undrafted free agents that Dallas signed immediately after the draft that they declared for. Others such as Jesse Holley, McBriar, Parnell, Frank Walker, Dockery, Fiammetta, Laurent Robinson, Greisen, Sammy Morris, and Chauncey Washington were picked up off the streets.
Of the 31, only Kyle Kosier, Brooking, Sensabaugh, Elam, Coleman, and Holland were acquired via free agency/trades.
dabomb1227 - January 4, 2012
Laurent Robinson, Sammy Morris, Frank Walker, Dockery, and Fiametta
Weren’t signed immediately after the draft, they were free agents like Kosier etc.. They were just signed during the season because there former teams cut them
just4fun - January 5, 2012
That's what he said. Read it again.
fs65 - January 5, 2012
Most teams scout themselves during the off season
The thing that needs to happen won’t.We will still have the same crappy GM.Our only hope is that he will just be a poser and let the football men run the team.
Our D was bad and got worse as the season progressed.We have to have at least one shut down corner but we can’t break the bank to get one.If Ryan can get a few more pieces and have an off season to install his system we should get better.He had a fair D in Cleveland with just smoke and mirrors so he should be able to do it here also.
If we can unload Wade’s guys from camp cupcake and let Ryan and Garrett coach them up we should be able to be a wildcard next year.
Also let’s send Campo and DeCamillas to the showers.
TCB Orange Dino - January 5, 2012
The coaching staff changes should come first and that's what I'm waiting on to see if Garrett is for real
or just another campo. That’s when we’ll know when we’re doomed or starting something special.
I just hope he doesn’t have a fragile ego like Brian Stewart when he stopped Dom freaking Capers from coming here to help coach the defense. If Garrett can’t handle have Sparano on his staff that’s a big big problem
just4fun - January 5, 2012
2 things i hear a lot lately...
Ryan defenses need a shutdown corner to operate effectively
AND
2 deep with man under is how to beat the cowboys pass attack, because Romo is not a threat with his legs.
oneinsider - January 5, 2012 via mobile
That's if Demarco Murray isn't running it to pull the safety's up.
and it’s more about making Romo run for his life so he doesn’t have time to throw down field.
just4fun - January 5, 2012
romo might not be a threat to gain yards with his legs
but then again, neither are tom brady, peyton mainning, phillp rivers, drew brees, cutler eli, matt ryan, or joe flacco or really any other qb besides rodgers and mike vick, and josh freeman. sure other d’s can take away the passing game but then demarco murray is going to run wild.
Nets2410 - January 5, 2012 via Android app
But we still need a line that will not get pushed around.
Besides Tyron, I dont see anyone else who is a stud on the O-line.
Antonio S - January 5, 2012
One thing that kind of stood out for me
Is that the defense wasn’t able to play a whole game. Every defense will put up a couple of stinkers during the season, but I’m a little perplexed how our defense could play one half pretty darn well, and the other half stink it up. Sometimes it was in the first half they sucked and other times the second half. I suspect heart issues when they can put together one half, but not a whole game. There’s a talent deficiency for sure, but that’s not all of it. It could be confusion, strength, speed, preparation, but the heart issue is suspect.
White Wolf - January 5, 2012
Rob Ryan has not shown the ability to adjust well from half to half...
It seems like our opponents seem to be able to make adjustments at the half and kill us in the 2nd half.
CowboysInFL - January 5, 2012
Or he doesnt make any adjustments til the half
then in the 4th the opponents readjust and he can’t adjust on the fly.
thebigham - January 5, 2012
Well, we've located my very favorite all-time cheerleader photo.
fivetwos - January 5, 2012
Better than this?
fs65 - January 5, 2012
Is that the same cheerleader?
I’m not sure. I can’t
focus onget a clear look at her face.Tom Ryle - January 5, 2012
She has a face? Where is it?
staubachfan - January 5, 2012
No. This is Ashton Torres.
fs65 - January 5, 2012
That's damn near a puzzy slip
DIRE WOLF - January 5, 2012
Well maybe now the gm will realize pursuing wr's and ilb's has decimated this team.....
and to this point wasted some pretty good careers of Witten , Ware , Rat and Romo. We still need a space eating nt. It is the basis of a 3-4.
football mensa - January 5, 2012
The bassis of a 3-4 is the Rush line backers getting pressuers off the edge.
More would be done getting pressue off the edges throught the DE, ALA San Fran, than a space cloger. While I do think we could use that planet player, I dont think its the magical wonderdrug some would claim it to be
Proxy406 - January 5, 2012
When the Chargers 3-4 was so effective was when they had Johnson just bullrushing centers into the
qb. The nt is closest to the ball. If he is penetrating he is making the most initial impact.
football mensa - January 5, 2012
Not Johnson , Jammal Williams
football mensa - January 5, 2012
Agree on Witten decline?
I think you may be right. Jason had a solid year, in line with the kind of numbers we have come to expect. But I think you are right on the money with the running sideways comment. He catches a lot of balls near the sticks, and I’m used to seeing him turn it up field or surge forward for the 1st down, but I saw a lot of running laterally after those catches this year. Look at the last Giants game. He caught two of these, and both times ran laterally, stopped, then tried to use one arm to brush a pursuing tackler past him to clear the way for more yardage. This move worked only once. Forget which game it was late in the season where after a long gain, he allowed a smaller DB to force him out of bounds around the 2 or 3 rather than fighting into the end zone. And he seemed to draw some critics on weaker blocking this year. Love this guy, but he looked like more of a finesse player than he has in the past.
Elkmgr - January 5, 2012
I thought he always looked like he was headed the wrong way and couldn't redirect himself.
On the play against the Giants, my first impression was he was moving straight to the sidelines, and he almost stopped to try and change directions. It gave the defender the momentum advantage.
Whatever causes it, it was not the only time he seemed to miss that last yard or two the team needed.
Tom Ryle - January 5, 2012
It still has it.
As you look back over film this year, count how many times a WR or RB is running near the sideline and out of no where a white and blue blur passes in between a defender and the runner allowing for extra yards.
Yea that was Witten and I noticed it a lot more this year.
thebigham - January 5, 2012
That would be the Jets game
Not ready to throw him out but I think next year you will see even more of a decline. The guy has taken som vicious shots in his career…..my concern is this core gets old in a hurry and there is no one on the roster to replace them.
football mensa - January 5, 2012
I disagree
1. Elite tight ends tend to last awhile. Tony Gonzalez is still a top guy after 15 years. Is Jason the athlete Tony Gonzalez is? No he isn’t, but his numbers are right in line with his career averages. Is he going out of bounds more? Maybe, but I’d rather have him around for the next play rather than running through 3 DBs to pick up an extra yard on a 3 yard quick out pattern on a 2nd and 7.
blackgallagher - January 5, 2012
I dunno about that
Jay Novacek suffered an injury afterthe 1995 season and never played again, and Doug Cosbie, after four straight excellent seasons, suddenly became mediocre. We’ll see I guess. Witten’s peer is Antonio Gates (both started in 2003) and he has been banged up quite a bit lately. Who knows how long he will last as well. I wouldn’t be totally disappointed in the Cowboys chose an athletic tight end in 4th or 5th round. Get a basketball player, like Gates, or like I said a jewel in the rough like Aaron Hernandez (4th rounder). Definitely no more wasted 2nd rounders on TEs, though, I’ve had ENOUGH of those in the recent past. But I agree thatWitten could decline precipitously at any moment, and I don’t want the Cowboys to go another 8 years (from Novacek to Witten) without a decent tight end…
DavidH22 - January 5, 2012
So .... what's our salary cap looking like?
I’ve heard $20 million over. $20 million under. And $20 million in dead money. Is it one or the other or all of the above?
Doesn’t matter as far as Jerry Jones is concerned. I’ve seen him be aggressive when I thought he’d be passive in free agency and vice versa. I will never figure out that dude.
Jerry if you’re reading … PASS RUSHER. PASS RUSHER. PASS RUSHER.
Tuna Helper - January 5, 2012
Okay, so what's the deal with the pictures? There's always a picture of Cowboy Cheerleaders then you click on it and it is some arbitrary stuff, no cheerleaders, no Cowboys???
LiveNDieBlue - January 5, 2012
That is a great picture of the cheerleaders BTW....well done
Terry - January 5, 2012
Yeah.
You obviously see the same attributes I do. Like superior flexibility.
Tom Ryle - January 5, 2012
and that too ;)
Terry - January 5, 2012
See my above. ^
fs65 - January 5, 2012
The "browse other pictures" is totally random.
We can pick our picture for the front page (obviously), but the link thing is done by SBN.
Tom Ryle - January 5, 2012
I agree about Witten's decline,
though he’s still very good. But Ware? Guy had nearly 20 sacks. I have a hard time computing that with “decline.”
Johnny Cage - January 5, 2012
True
but his sacks never come at a good time. Maybe thats just me seeing what I want to see but rarely does it seem like he makes THE play anymore. Who knows. It was a tough season for everyone.
thebigham - January 5, 2012
I don't understand all this decline stuff
I mean did ware not just have19.5 sacks? doesn’t sound like decline to me. and what’s this about Jason losing a step? he’s never been fast so I’m not worriedabout him either. why is Romo supposed to decline all of a sudden? he looked pretty sprite to me all year
kitten mittens - January 5, 2012 via Android app
on witten
didn’t he have his career average in all categories even with Murray and Robinson taking touches? not worried
kitten mittens - January 5, 2012 via Android app
Witten will play at a high level for another 5 years at least, barring a career ending injury.
DIRE WOLF - January 5, 2012
After last season Ill never doubt Witten again.
Of this current team, he would be the first person I’d want to have dinner/meet with.
thebigham - January 5, 2012
I'd pack him and Rat
with me if I’m going to a street brawl.
CDMac24 - January 5, 2012
I think him and Romo come as a package deal
Terry - January 5, 2012
Fine with me haha.
But man just looking at Witten its like that guy you really teach you something.
thebigham - January 5, 2012
Kosier
MCL grade III sprains or completre tears do not respond well to surgery. Doctors let the knee scar down, and it becomes a “new” MCL….
Mullin - January 5, 2012
yeah, I never heard of MCL surgery
Terry - January 5, 2012
Jenkins
Is his shoulder chronically separated or subluxated/dislocated?? Big difference between the two terms…
Mullin - January 5, 2012
what is the difference?
Terry - January 5, 2012
The difference is....
A separated shoulder aka AC Sprain is where the ligament that helps to stabilize the junction between the acromion process of the scapula and the clavicle is injured….
Subluxation refers to a partial dislocation of the shoulder. A subluxation occurs when the two joint (articular) surfaces have lost their usual contact. A 50% subluxation means the normally opposing articular surfaces have lost half their usual contact and the joint is partially dislocated. A 100% subluxation means the articular surfaces have lost all of their contact. A dislocation is the same as a 100% subluxation. When this occurs, the rotator cuff muscles are usually stretched along with possible tearing of the glenoid labrum. Once it subluxates, it becomes loose and then it’s easier for the same thing to occur over and over.
Mullin - January 5, 2012
Can surgery fix both conditions?
Terry - January 6, 2012
Here are a few more that I liked about Jerry from that link:
fs65 - January 5, 2012
So Jerry is going to take credit
for not properly supporting a QB of Romo’s talent, namely, not giving him the personnel support he needs to go deep in the playoffs. Thanks Jer. And I’m sure the rest of the league thanks you too. Not to mention Romo, himself.
stubabe - January 5, 2012
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